# WME Urges “Ethical & Responsible” AI In NYT Copyright Battle With Sam Altman

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/wme-urges-ethical-responsible-ai-in-nyt-copyright-battle-with-sam-altman/
- Published: 2026-11-02T14:10:41+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-04T01:29:00+00:00
- Original publisher: Deadline
- Original article: https://deadline.com/2026/11/openai-lawsuit-copyright-wme-nwe-york-times-ai-1237211006/
- Topics: AI, Entertainment, Film, Technology

## Key points

- WME says AI use of creative work should be licensed.
- The agency argues creators should receive authorisation and compensation.
- Its filing cites at least 28 paid training-data deals.

## Summary

WME has urged courts to uphold creators’ ability to control and receive payment for the use of their copyrighted work in AI training. In a filing in the copyright case against OpenAI, the agency said it does not seek to stop AI use of creative material, but wants it licensed with proper authorisation and compensation.

The case, brought by the New York Times and other writers and news organisations, alleges OpenAI used copyrighted material without permission or payment. WME’s brief points to more than two dozen publicly announced licensing deals between rights holders and AI companies from mid-2023 to mid-2024, including at least 28 agreements involving payment for training data. Other groups, including unions representing performers, musicians and writers, have also filed briefs; the US Justice Department has argued that training language models on copyrighted text does not violate copyright law.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.